Hasbro to phase out plastics packaging; ties up with Terracycle for recycling old toys

US-based toy maker, known for the iconic Power Rangers series, says that beginning 2020, it plans to start phasing out plastic from new product packaging, including plastic elements like bags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs. The company’s aim is to eliminate virtually all plastic in packaging for new products by the end of 2022.

It says that the packaging will be removed from its brands like Nerf, My Little Pony, Monopoly, Magic and The Gathering, including Power Rangers.

Hasbro says it has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, from eliminating wire ties in 2010 and adding How2Recycle labelling in 2016, to the use of plant-based bioPET in 2018, and most recently, launching a toy recycling programme with recycling company TerraCycle. The latter enables consumers to send well-loved Hasbro toys and games to TerraCycle that will recycle them into materials to be used in the construction of play spaces, flowerpots, park benches, and other innovative uses.

Hasbro recently announced the expansion of the recycling programme to France, Germany and Brazil, and plans to expand it to additional markets with the goal of ensuring all Hasbro toys and games are recyclable in the major markets where it does business.

All consumers need to do is to collect and box up their toys and games, print out a free shipping label and send their box to TerraCycle, who will sort and recycle the products. The programme is open to all Hasbro toys and games, including face-to-face games, toys, action figures, dolls, plush, and more.